OUTBoard Agenda 091619 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

To: DCHC MPO Date: October 1, 2019 Project#: 38587.01 From: Don Bryson Re: NC 54 Supplement INTRODUCTION In response to the findings of the NC 54 West Corridor Study,the analyses summarized in this memorandum were requested to better understand and explain traffic patterns associated with the portion of NC 54 between 1-40 in Graham and Old Fayetteville Road in Carrboro.Although the focus of the additional analyses is the eastern (Orange County) end of the corridor,the study area was expanded to provide more regional context, and to more directly address West Main Street and the NC 54 Bypass to the east. The analyses in this memorandum address specific questions, supplementing the NC 54 Corridor Study. The NC54 Corridor Study provides more detailed documentation of underlying assumptions,traffic data, analytical methodology, and findings related to existing conditions, demand forecasts, and evaluation of alternatives. Some of the major issues addressed in this memorandum include: • Origins and destinations of traffic using this portion of NC 54 • Traffic forecasts • Traffic impacts of the proposed widening on other roads • Transit options, including: o Park-and-ride lots o Potential options for UNC-CH and hospital employees CORRIDOR TRIP ORIGINS AND DESTINATIONS According to the latest data (2017) available from the NCDOT traffic count program, average annual daily traffic (AADT) on NC 54 ranged from a high of 23,000 veh/day at the western end of the study area (just east of 1-40 in Graham)to a low of 6,400 veh/day near the county line (just west of Mebane Oaks Road/Saxapahaw Road). From that point eastward AADTs increase to a high of 15,000 just west of Old Fayetteville Road,the eastern end of the study. This pattern indicates that only a portion of the NC 54 traffic at Old Fayetteville Road consists of"through" trips (defined as vehicles travelling the entire length of the corridor from 1-40 to Old Fayetteville Road). Even if all 6,400 veh/day at the county line were through trips, only 43%of the traffic approaching Old Fayetteville Road could be defined as trips traveling the entire length of the corridor. Analysis of travel patterns suggests a much lower percentage; many of these 6,400 trips having origins or destinations along the corridor or intersecting roadways such as NC 119, Mebane Oaks Road, Orange Grove Road, and Bethel Hickory Grove Church Road. NC 54 collects and connects traffic between these dispersed trips ends. The following sections summarize analyses performed to help identify sources of traffic on this portion of NC 54.